Matthew 28:2

KJV

And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532}, behold {G2400}, there was {G1096} a great {G3173} earthquake {G4578}: for {G1063} the angel {G32} of the Lord {G2962} descended {G2597} from {G1537} heaven {G3772}, and came {G4334} and rolled back {G617} the stone {G3037} from {G575} the door {G2374}, and {G2532} sat {G2521} upon {G1883} it {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Suddenly there was a violent earthquake, for an angel of ADONAI came down from heaven, rolled away the stone and sat on it.

Berean Standard Bible

Suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled away the stone, and sat on it.

American Standard Version

And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled away the stone, and sat upon it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 28:2 describes the dramatic, supernatural events surrounding the discovery of Jesus' empty tomb. It details a significant earthquake, the descent of a powerful angel of the Lord from heaven, and the angel's authoritative act of rolling back the massive stone from the tomb's entrance before calmly sitting upon it. This pivotal verse underscores the divine power at work in the resurrection, setting the stage for the revelation of Christ's triumph over death and the subsequent proclamation of the Gospel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the arrival of Mary Magdalene and the "other Mary" at the tomb "as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week" ([Matthew 28:1](/matthew/28-1 "Matthew 28:1 - The Women Come to the Tomb")). The preceding chapter concludes with the sealing of the tomb and the placement of Roman guards, an act initiated by the chief priests and Pharisees to prevent the disciples from stealing Jesus' body and fabricating a resurrection claim ([Matthew 27:62-66](/matthew/27-62-66 "Matthew 27:62-66 - The Tomb is Guarded")). Thus, Matthew 28:2 serves as the dramatic, divinely orchestrated undoing of these human efforts to contain the truth, directly preceding the angel's announcement of Jesus' resurrection ([Matthew 28:5-7](/matthew/28-5-7 "Matthew 28:5-7 - The Angel's Announcement")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the 1st century Roman province of Judea, tombs were often carved into rock or natural caves, with a large, heavy stone (often disc-shaped and rolled in a groove) placed at the entrance to seal it. This stone would have been exceedingly heavy, requiring multiple men to move. The Roman guard, consisting of trained soldiers, was a formidable presence, and dereliction of duty (allowing a body to be stolen) was punishable by death. Earthquakes were understood in ancient Jewish thought as a sign of divine presence, judgment, or a significant act of God, often accompanying momentous events such as the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai ([Exodus 19:18](/exodus/19-18 "Exodus 19:18 - Mount Sinai Trembles")) or the death of Jesus ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Earthquake at the Crucifixion")).
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 28:2 powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Gospel of Matthew and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Power**, demonstrating that no human effort, guard, or stone can thwart God's ultimate plan of salvation. The "great earthquake" and the angel's descent are unambiguous manifestations of God's direct intervention, emphasizing that the resurrection was a supernatural act, not a human one. This verse also underscores the **Validation of the Resurrection**, as the stone was rolled away not for Jesus to exit (He had already risen, as implied by the angel's later words in [Matthew 28:6](/matthew/28-6 "Matthew 28:6 - He is Not Here, For He is Risen")), but to provide undeniable proof of the empty tomb to the witnesses. Finally, the angel's calm, authoritative posture of sitting upon the stone conveys **Triumph and Authority**, symbolizing the decisive victory over death, sin, and all human opposition, echoing themes of Christ's ultimate authority found throughout [Matthew's Gospel](/matthew/1 "The Gospel According to Matthew").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **earthquake (Greek, _seismós'_):** This word refers to a violent shaking or commotion, encompassing both literal earthquakes and other disturbances like tempests. In this context, it signifies a profound geological event, emphasizing the magnitude and supernatural nature of God's intervention at this pivotal moment in salvation history. It signals a divine disruption of the natural order.
* **angel (Greek, _ángelos'_):** Meaning "messenger," this term is used here to denote a divine being, a celestial messenger dispatched directly from God. The presence of an "angel of the Lord" (a common biblical designation for a powerful divine emissary) underscores that the events unfolding are not random but are orchestrated by God's will and power, revealing His direct involvement in the resurrection.
* **sat (Greek, _káthēmai'_):** This verb means "to sit down" or "to reside." The angel's action of sitting upon the rolled-away stone is highly significant. It is not a casual act but a deliberate posture of authority, rest, and finality. It visually communicates the completion of the task, the futility of the stone's previous purpose, and the angel's calm assurance in the face of human fear and opposition, symbolizing divine triumph.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And, behold, there was a great earthquake:"** The narrative immediately introduces a dramatic, supernatural event. The "behold" (idoú) draws the reader's attention to something extraordinary and divinely significant. The "great earthquake" is not a mere natural phenomenon but a powerful manifestation of God's presence and power, echoing other biblical instances where earthquakes accompany momentous divine acts (e.g., at the crucifixion, [Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Earthquake at the Crucifixion")).
* **"for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven,"** This clause provides the reason for the earthquake, clarifying that it was not random but directly linked to the angel's descent. The "angel of the Lord" is a specific title for a divine messenger, often appearing with significant authority and power. His descent "from heaven" emphasizes his divine origin and the celestial authority behind his mission, indicating that these events are divinely ordained and executed.
* **"and came and rolled back the stone from the door,"** The angel's purpose is immediately revealed. The "came" (prosérchomai) suggests a direct approach to the tomb. The act of "rolling back the stone" (apokylíō) is a physical demonstration of immense power, effortlessly moving an object that was meant to be an insurmountable barrier. This action was not to allow Jesus out, but to allow witnesses in, confirming the empty tomb. It also symbolically dismantles the human attempts to contain God's plan.
* **"and sat upon it."** This final action is profoundly symbolic. After effortlessly moving the massive stone, the angel does not retreat or disappear but calmly takes a seat upon it. This posture conveys absolute authority, triumph, and repose. It signifies that the task is complete, the victory is secured, and all human efforts to seal the tomb or prevent the resurrection have been rendered utterly futile and impotent. The angel's calm demeanor contrasts sharply with the terror of the guards.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 28:2 is rich in **Dramatic Irony**, as the very measures taken by the Jewish authorities—sealing the tomb and posting guards—only serve to highlight the undeniable, supernatural power of God in the resurrection. The futility of human efforts against divine will is powerfully underscored. **Symbolism** is prominent with the "great earthquake" representing a divine upheaval and the breaking of old orders, while the "stone" symbolizes death's power and human attempts to contain God's plan. The angel's act of rolling back the stone and then **sitting upon it** is a potent visual symbol of triumph, authority, and the complete subjugation of death. This scene also functions as a **Theophany** or divine manifestation, where God's presence and power are revealed through the earthquake and the angel's actions, signaling a momentous event in salvation history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 28:2 serves as a profound theological statement on the absolute sovereignty and irresistible power of God, particularly in the context of the resurrection. It declares that no human barrier, no matter how formidable—be it a massive stone or a Roman guard—can thwart God's divine purpose. The earthquake and the angel's descent are not mere coincidences but deliberate acts of divine intervention, demonstrating that the resurrection was entirely God's work, a supernatural triumph over death itself. This event validates Christ's claims and the truth of the Gospel, establishing the foundation of Christian hope and the ultimate victory over sin and death. The angel's serene posture upon the stone proclaims that the battle is won, and God's plan of redemption has been decisively accomplished.

* [Psalm 114:7](/psalm/114-7 "Psalm 114:7 - The Earth Trembles at God's Presence")
* [Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Him Up")
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God Is For Us")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 28:2 offers profound comfort and challenge to believers today. It reminds us that the God who effortlessly rolled away the stone from Christ's tomb is the same God who is active in our lives, capable of removing seemingly insurmountable obstacles. When faced with situations that feel "sealed" or guarded by circumstances beyond our control, this verse reassures us that God's power is supreme and His purposes cannot be thwarted. It invites us to trust in His sovereign might, knowing that He can make a way where there appears to be none. Furthermore, the angel's confident posture upon the stone encourages us to rest in the finished work of Christ, understanding that His victory over death is complete and our salvation is secure. This foundational truth empowers us to live without fear, knowing that the power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work within us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "stones" or seemingly insurmountable obstacles in your life do you need to trust God to roll away?**
* **How does the dramatic display of divine power in this verse strengthen your faith in God's ability to act in your circumstances?**
* **In what ways can the angel's calm, authoritative posture upon the stone inspire you to rest in Christ's accomplished victory?**

### FAQ

**Why was the stone rolled away if Jesus had already risen?**

Answer: The stone was not rolled away for Jesus to exit the tomb, as His resurrected body was no longer bound by physical limitations and could pass through solid objects (as seen when He appeared to His disciples in a locked room in [John 20:19](/john/20-19 "John 20:19 - Jesus Appears to Disciples")). Instead, the stone was rolled away to provide irrefutable evidence for the women and subsequent disciples that the tomb was indeed empty. It served as a visible sign of the resurrection, allowing witnesses to confirm that Jesus' body was gone, thus validating the angel's message that "He is not here: for he is risen" ([Matthew 28:6](/matthew/28-6 "Matthew 28:6 - He is Not Here, For He is Risen")).

**What is the significance of the "great earthquake"?**

Answer: The "great earthquake" in [Matthew 28:2](/matthew/28-2 "Matthew 28:2 - The Angel Rolls Back the Stone") is a powerful manifestation of divine intervention, not a random natural event. In biblical narrative, earthquakes often accompany significant acts of God, signifying His presence, power, and the breaking in of His kingdom. It underscores the momentous nature of the resurrection, demonstrating that this was a supernatural event orchestrated by God Himself, shattering the human attempts to contain Christ's body and His message. It serves as a dramatic prelude to the greatest miracle in human history.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 28:2, with its dramatic portrayal of divine power and the angel's authoritative act, points directly to the ultimate triumph of Christ. The rolling away of the stone and the angel's subsequent sitting upon it are not merely historical events but powerful symbols of Jesus' victory over the very powers of sin and death that held humanity captive. Just as the stone could not contain the Lord of Glory, so too the grave could not hold Him. This verse foreshadows the ultimate authority of the resurrected Christ, who declares, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). The angel's action is a divine confirmation of the new covenant, where Christ's sacrifice on the cross and His subsequent resurrection have broken the chains of sin, fulfilling the prophecies of a conquering Messiah. The empty tomb, facilitated by this divine intervention, is the bedrock of the Christian faith, proclaiming that Jesus is indeed "the firstfruits of them that slept" ([1_corinthians/15-20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ the Firstfruits")), guaranteeing the future resurrection for all who believe in Him. The calm, authoritative posture of the angel on the stone visually represents the finality of Christ's victory, echoing the truth that "death is swallowed up in victory" ([1_corinthians/15-54](/1_corinthians/15-54 "1 Corinthians 15:54 - Death Swallowed Up in Victory")) through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 24:2

And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.

Luke 24:5

And as they were afraid, and bowed down [their] faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?

John 20:12

And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.

John 20:13

And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.

Acts 16:26

And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.

Mark 16:3

And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?

Mark 16:5

And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.